India's competitive exams have long been criticized for favoring students fluent in English, leaving many from vernacular backgrounds struggling to keep up. Prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now highlighting the need for inclusivity and support for India's myriad languages.
During the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi, PM Modi asserted the importance of linguistic diversity. "There has never been any animosity among Indian languages. They have always influenced and enriched each other. When attempts are made to divide people based on language, our shared linguistic heritage stands as a counterargument," he told attendees. Modi's sentiments come at a time when the government is actively promoting multilingual education, allowing students to pursue higher studies, including engineering and medicine, in their native tongues like Marathi.
Some believe these initiatives are stepping stones toward reducing the language barrier prevalent within competitive exams. G K Vasan, leader of the Tamil Manila Congress, urged the government of Tamil Nadu to embrace the three-language policy under the New Education Policy (NEP), stating, "If Tamil Nadu opposes the scope of learning a third language, how will other states encourage their people to learn Tamil as a third language?" His stance emphasizes the importance of recognizing and integrating various linguistic cultures rather than restricting them.
Yet, not all students find transitioning to English seamless. Aliva and Manisha, both aspiring postgraduate students from Odisha, have expressed their concerns. Aliva noted, "Even though the questions in most entrance exams are bilingual, the medium of instruction at the graduation level is predominantly English, making it difficult to grasp the concepts fully." This misalignment creates challenges for students whose foundation of learning is rooted deeply in their regional languages.
Manisha, who initially struggled with English, recalls, "I overcame these challenges by practising English through worksheets and coaching, which helped me gain confidence over time." Still, she warns of the disadvantages faced by students without formal English education, stating, "Many students could struggle in competitive exams if the language barrier is not addressed."While both students acknowledge some benefits to learning through their mother tongues, they recognize the necessity of English for academic rigor and career prospects, especially for those considering research or academic positions.
"Students might miss out on career opportunities if they cannot express themselves in English," Aliva declared. Meanwhile, Manisha voiced her concern about the challenges posed by the current examination format, which they feel disadvantages students from vernacular education backgrounds. She stated, "The switch from learning in one's mother tongue to an English-dominated system is challenging, particularly for first-year students."
Consequently, both Aliva and Manisha support the idea of making competitive exams multilingual. They believe it would give non-English proficient students equal footing, alleviating pressure throughout their educational journeys. Aliva urged for more exams like CUET PG to be available in various regional languages, positing this change as beneficial for students who haven’t had the opportunity to learn English or Hindi thoroughly.
This movement for multilingual assessments aligns with broader conversations surrounding educational equity and inclusion. Malaysia and Canada, for example, offer competitive exams featuring multiple languages, setting valuable precedents for India. The blend of nationalism and globalization dictates the need for the recognition of linguistic diversity as both culturally enriching and practically necessary.
While the path toward equitable educational systems may be complex, the discourse surrounding bilingual or multilingual education is gaining traction. Modi's recent address, coupled with advocates like G K Vasan and student experiences of Aliva and Manisha, highlights the importance of addressing language barriers within India's educational infrastructure.
Though changing systems and policies may take time, the growing awareness surrounding the significance of vernacular languages within competitive exams demonstrates promising outreach efforts to respect India's linguistic heritage.